Father Of Missing Boys To Stand Trial

A Morenci father blamed for the disappearance of his three young sons will stand trial on charges of parental kidnapping.

John Skelton waived his right to a preliminary hearing to determine if he would stand trial. Court officials in Lenawee County say Skelton informed a judge Monday meaning a hearing set for Tuesday is canceled.

Skelton’s sons – Alexander, Andrew and Tanner – haven’t been seen since Thanksgiving when they were at his home in Morenci. The father says he gave them to someone from an “organization,” although he hasn’t identified either.

Skelton is charged with keeping his boys more than 24 hours with the intent of concealing them from their mother. His next court date is Jan. 5.

The boys’s mother, Tanya Skelton, spent time with other family members on Christmas Day and over the weekend, but had hoped the boys would be home for Christmas.

Family friend Kathye Herrera says the family tried to enjoy the time they had together, yet were still thinking about the boys.

“It is harder each day because we just keep hoping and hoping everyday is going to be the day that they come back and when that doesn’t happen that just kind of pulls at your heart strings a little more and a little more and finally you are just torn apart,” Herrera said.

Tanya Skelton suffered another lose on Christmas Day when her grandmother died. A funeral is scheduled Thursday.